CARILED’s delegation attended AGM and Study Program in Alberta, Canada

A delegation from CARILED attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual General Meeting, Conference and Trade Show, in Edmonton, Alberta from June 4 – 8, 2015 and a Study Program in Calgary, Alberta from June 9 – 13, 2015. The delegation included Mr. Aiknath Singh, Chairman of Princes Town Regional Corporation in Trinidad and Tobago, Honourable Mayor Khalid Belisle from the City of Belmopan in Belize, Ms. Stephannie Hutchinson, National CARILED Coordinator, Jamaica and Ms. Leidi Urbina, National CARILED Coordinator, Belize. They were accompanied by Ms. Alix Yule, CARILED Program Director and Mr. Philip Kelly, CARILED Program Manager.

The delegates attended workshops, presentations and on-site visits related to various aspects of local/community economic development focusing on innovative approaches to increasing collaboration between municipal governments, community groups, educational institutions, community and economic development agencies and the private sector. Visits to learn about entrepreneur support programs, social enterprises, small business incubators, business revitalization zones and downtown revitalization projects were highlights, as well as a visit to the Rocky Mountains.

Delegates included among their “take home” ideas the high level of engagement of so many varied stakeholders within the community and the role of the elected and administrative leaders in reaching out to the community and facilitating collaboration for community and economic development. The role of local leaders in supporting innovation, promoting entrepreneurship and removing barriers to development was also noted, as was the role of local government associations in influencing national policy and advancing the development agenda. For FCM AGM Conference highlights, visit http://www.fcm.ca/home/events/past-conferences/2015-annual-conference-and-trade-show.htm.